Annual pet food drive extended to Dec. 13

The fifth annual pet food drive sponsored by Prudential The McMillen Real Estate Group has been extended another week until Dec. 13 to allow for more pet supplies to be collected before they are given to the Wanye County Humane Society.

Jeri Lynn Coker, a broker associate with the group, is spearheading the effort.

"Around the holidays families in need are pinching pennies and their pets pay the price," she said.

She said that often pets are left out in the cold when the holidays come around, both figuratively and literally.

"These animals aren't getting fed for two months or they stay outside year round," Ms. Coker said. "That's why we ask for donations of pet blankets and pet carriers."

The toughest time of year for pets is between October and February.

"Lower income people are spread thin, so they are thinking about buying toys and new coats, and the heating bills are a little higher. You have to skimp somewhere," said Judith McMillen, Realtor and owner of Prudential The McMillen Real Estate Group.

Mrs. McMillen started the drive in her office five years ago.

"I read a story about a family that the mom had to tell her son they didn't have money for the dog and they had to put that dog down. We have done a pet food drive every year since," she said.

But because the drive hasn't yet met its goal, they decided to extend the deadline by a week.

The local Humane Society will distribute the supplies to pre-approved families in the community.

"The Humane Society checks into the people who get these distributions," Ms. Coker said. "It's a really good program."

Dry and wet food, blankets, toys and pet carrier donations are all accepted for the drive, as are other pet related items.

Donations can be dropped off in the real estate office at 1004 N. Berkeley Blvd. Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.